Groundwater depletion is having serious consequences on communities around the world, and has also started to cause major issues in the state of Jharkhand. The groundwater levels across the state have been declining due to over-extraction of ground water and lack of proper water management.
A study was released by SwitchON Foundation on World Water Day indicating the distressing situation of groundwater depletion in Jharkhand. The report highlights that groundwater depletion is leading to reduced water availability, in regions that rely on underground reserves as their primary source of freshwater. This is leading to an increase in competition for scarce resources and worsening water scarcity in already dry regions.
Research Highlights
- Due to the geographical setup, about 80% of surface water and 74% of ground water go outside the state and cause 38% of the drought in Jharkhand.
- In Jharkhand, groundwater is found under semi-confined to confined aquifers in the fractures situated at a deeper level.
- In the pre monsoon season of 2021, the lowest water table level found was in Hazaribagh district found below 0.03 meters, and the deepest water table level was found at 9.7 meters in Koderma district.
- In the pre-monsoon season of 2022, the groundwater level of the state had declined by two metres. In 2022, the monsoon rainfall received was in deficit by more than 60%, and about 90% of reservoirs were only 40% full.
- Since the introduction of tube wells, the groundwater levels in the state have declined over the last two decades.
- In the districts of Bokaro, Giridih, Godda, Gumla, Palamu, Ranchi, the fluoride concentration in groundwater was beyond permissible limit.
- Today the tube well exerts more pressure on groundwaters resources in deep aquifers, especially in the urban areas of Ranchi.
- Most regions of the districts Purbi Singhbhum, Ranchi and Saraikela, the groundwater is declining as revealed by a study of depth to groundwater level (DGWL) conducted over the period 1996–2018.
Recommendations
- Baseline study of all active groundwater sources, suggesting relevant policy recommendations
- Conservation of traditional wetland to be protected for effective ground water recharge.
- Desiltation/dredging of surface water bodies like streams, rivers and canals for better percolation and recharge of aquifers during monsoons
- Rejuvenation of dried up/deteriorated traditional water storage units like ponds, tanks etc.
- Artificial recharge structures to be constructed based on a research of aquifer characteristics and land use surveys.
- Massive awareness programmes to be done for promoting sustainable use of water, avoiding water wastages in agri and domestic sectors, also during supply and distribution etc.
- Integrated approach for water conservation
- Assessing the existing policies, Acts and schemes related to water conservation for their effectiveness.
Overall, the study emphasises the urgent need for better management and conservation of groundwater resources. The report recommends implementing policies to regulate the use of underground water extraction, adopting technology and practices for water conservation and water use efficiency, promotion of water-resistant crops like millets and other indigenous rice varieties, and shifting from high-water consumption crops. Failure to act could have severe consequences for the environment and communities around the world.
Working towards the conservation of the environment as a whole, SwitchON Foundation has launched their Empowering Energy, Water and Agriculture wing (EEWA) to promote green energy, climate smart agriculture and water conservation.
Looking at the appalling data, Vinay Jaju, Managing Director, SwitchON Foundation said, “It’s very alarming the way groundwater is getting depleted. We have technology solutions and with awareness and change in habits – we have to work on conserving water on a war footing mode. We need to take immediate action to conserve our most precious resource”.
Media Dossier
Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in
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